Saudi Arabia is set to usher in the commencement of the 2025 Hajj season with the arrival of the first international pilgrims on Monday, April 28. This inaugural flight, carrying pilgrims from South Africa, marks the formal launch of the pilgrimage season for the year 1446H, as the Kingdom begins to welcome Muslims from across the globe for the annual spiritual gathering.
According to Saudi officials, subsequent flights are expected to follow swiftly from various Muslim-majority countries in the days ahead, as the influx of international pilgrims begins to build momentum. Authorities have confirmed that all logistical and operational frameworks have been finalised to ensure a smooth and dignified reception for the guests of Allah.
Preparations have been completed at the Kingdom’s two primary entry points for Hajj pilgrims—King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah and Prince Mohammad bin Abdulaziz Airport in Madinah. These hubs have activated their specialised Hajj terminals, now equipped with expanded immigration counters and enhanced baggage handling systems. The aim is to facilitate quicker processing and minimise congestion during the peak arrival period.
The General Directorate of Passports has reaffirmed that the health and entry protocols introduced in the previous year will remain in force. All arriving pilgrims must present proof of a valid Hajj visa, as well as up-to-date vaccination against meningitis, which remains a mandatory requirement. These measures, officials say, are crucial to safeguarding public health during the mass religious event that annually gathers millions in close quarters.
Upon arrival, early pilgrims will be seamlessly transported to pre-arranged accommodations in Makkah and Madinah, in line with Saudi Arabia’s coordinated efforts to maintain order and comfort for all attendees. Transportation, accommodation, and health services have been synchronised through the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah in partnership with licensed Hajj tour operators from around the world.
This year, Saudi Arabia expects to host over 1.8 million international pilgrims, a figure that reflects the full post-pandemic resumption of Hajj operations. Final pilgrim arrivals are scheduled to continue until June 5, as the Kingdom gradually welcomes the faithful from nearly every continent.
For millions of Muslims, Hajj represents one of the five pillars of Islam and a once-in-a-lifetime obligation, and Saudi Arabia remains steadfast in its role as a facilitator of this divine duty. KIIN360 will continue to monitor the arrival process and provide timely updates to Nigerian pilgrims and the wider Ummah as this sacred season unfolds.
